AFCON 2025: Egypt and Senegal Renew Their Rivalry for a Spot in the Final

Written by Chukwu C. Ikechukwu

Between 2005 and now, the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Pharaohs of Egypt have met seven times, with each side winning three matches and one ending in a draw. Senegal’s first and only AFCON triumph came in 2021, when they defeated Egypt on penalties after both sides failed to score in 120 minutes.

However, the Pharaohs of Egypt possess a superior AFCON pedigree compared to their semi-final rivals. The Egyptians hold the distinguished record of winning the AFCON title seven times, while the Senegalese have lifted the trophy only once, ironically at Egypt’s expense in 2021. That same year, Senegal became the first team since 2010 to play in consecutive AFCON finals, with Egypt being the last team to achieve that feat. Before this edition, Senegal had played in six AFCON semi-finals, winning three of those encounters, and will now look to secure a fourth. Interestingly, the number of semi-final appearances the Teranga Lions have managed in 19 AFCON participations is equal to the number of trophies the Egyptians have won.

Egypt, on the other hand, have featured in 14 AFCON semi-final matches, second only to Nigeria’s 16 appearances. The Pharaohs have also finished as runners-up three times, compared to Senegal’s two. This means Egypt have won ten of their semi-final fixtures in the competition’s history.

At the group stage of this year’s tournament, both sides topped their groups with seven points each. In the Round of 16, both faced relatively light opposition: Senegal against Sudan and Egypt against the Squirrels of Benin. Their quarter-final opponents, however, were much tougher, with Senegal taking on Mali and Egypt defeating the defending champions, the Ivory Coast.

Given their rich AFCON history, the Pharaohs of Egypt may enter this clash as the favourites to win. Nevertheless, the Senegalese are expected to give them a fierce contest and ensure the encounter lives up to its billing.